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Intricate, elaborate, mind-blowing visuals are only part of the spectacle in this animated fairy tale/history lesson by the directing team of Tomm [CQ] Moore and Nora Twomey, which explains the origin of the legendary Book of Kells, one of history’s most famous illuminated Christian religious manuscripts. Inside the medieval abbey of Kells, a young friar named Brendan is inspired by a visiting brother named Aidan to battle forest demons, wolves, and raiding Norsemen to preserve and perpetuate the ancient writings of the New Testament. It all happens in a rush of color and Celtic design, with fine voice characterizations by Brendan Gleeson (the abbot), Mick Lally (Aidan), Christen Mooney (Aisling, a forest fairy), and young Brendan (Evan McGuire). The French-Belgian-Irish production was made in Kilkenny, and is a feast for the eyes and the heart (75 min.).
ByKelly Vance